Companies Act 1989 Definition & Overview

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Companies Act 1989 Definition & Overview

Updated: 22nd November 2021

An overview of the Companies Act 1989

The Companies Act 1989 introduced a number of changes and amendments to several Acts of Parliament concerning UK company law, including the Companies Act 1985, the Company Securities Act 1985, the Financial Services Act 1986, the Fair Trading Act 1973, the Policyholders Protection Act 1975, and the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986. Like the previous Companies Act 1985 this one was also designed to consolidate existing legislation and it incorporated some directives already found in the European Union.

Here are a few ways this act amended and improved upon previous enactments:

Made changes to laws governing company accounts
Introduced new provisions regarding company auditor eligibility
Amended laws set forth in the Companies Act 1985, particularly with respect to ‘powers to obtain information’ and investigation procedures
Conferred new powers exercisable to provide assistance to regulatory authorities overseas
Introduced new provisions regarding the registration of company charges
Changed the applicability of the laws set out in Section 62 of the Financial Services Act 1986, ushering in a new regulatory system designed to be simpler yet more flexible.
Made amendments to Part V of the Fair Trading Act 1973
Introduced provisions to safeguard some aspects of operation in certain financial markets
Enabled provision to be made for the transfer and recording of title to securities without the need for a written instrument
Amended laws relating to building societies

If you have any questions about UK company law or any other issue related to business recovery and management, feel free to send us an email or call our directors’ advice hotline on 0800 644 6080. Our extensive office network comprises 100 offices across the UK with a partner-led service offering immediate director advice and support.